DETECTIVES are hunting three teenage burglars who confronted a pair of terrified women pensioners in their own homes.

The gang struck at the home of a 70-year-old woman in Pit Lane, Widnes, but were disturbed by the owner after they forced open a bedroom window and climbed in.

Police say the burglars apologised to their distraught victim after she challenged them and advised them she was disabled. They said they would leave, which they did.

But police believe the same gang were behind a second burglary later in the week in which property was stolen from the home of an elderly woman on Coroners Lane, leaving her 'extremely shocked'.

At about 7.45 pm on Friday, November 30, she heard a noise and found three men in her back bedroom.

One of the gang took the old lady gently by the shoulders and led her into the living room. They then grabbed her handbag which contained cigarettes, some chocolate and her pension book, before fleeing.

The Coroners Lane victim said two of the offenders wore dark clothing and gloves. She described the third man, who took her by the shoulders, as being aged approximately 17-18, of proportionate build with short dark hair which was curly on top. He had a pale complexion, a long face, wore a blue fleece and was generally 'of tidy appearance'.

In the earlier Pit Lane incident which took place on Monday, November 26, at approximately 7.30pm, the description of the offenders bore a striking similarity.

The victim said one offender was aged about 18, 5ft 6-8ins, of medium build and had 'mousey hair with a curly quiff at the front'.

The second offender spoke with a local accent, was aged about 17 and was about 5ft 4-6ins tall and thicker set than his accomplice. He had a dark brown crew cut and wore dark clothing including an anorak.

The third man was also white, aged 18-19, 5ft 6-8ins tall with short hair and was said to be 'slightly overweight'. All three offenders wore gloves.

DC Steve Plant, field intelligence officer for Widnes CID, said: 'We think these incidents are connected. The offenders apologised and said they would leave, but the ladies in both incidents were extremely upset. These are very serious offences indeed.'

* Anyone with information which could help the police catch the gang should contact the officer on the case DC Brad Anderson at Widnes CID on 01244 613799 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.